Summer Steelhead
Swing flies for chrome in the Deschutes canyon, July through December.
Tenacious, aggressive, exhilarating.
Few fish are as tenacious, aggressive and exhilarating to catch as a wild Pacific steelhead.
Every year, summer steelhead return from the ocean, up the Columbia and into the Lower Deschutes. The first fish show up in July, and the run builds through the fall. We fish the canyon by drift boat, swinging flies through classic steelhead water. When the line pulls tight, hold on.
September and October are prime.
The summer steelhead season on the Lower Deschutes runs from July through December. Here’s how it typically breaks down.
- Prime
- September and October
- In season
- August and November
- Shoulder season
- July and December
- Where
- The Lower Deschutes River
See the weather and what else is fishing each month on the Fishing Calendar.
Patience pays off.
Our summer steelhead trips are full days on the Lower Deschutes. Your guide, all gear, instruction and lunch are included.
We welcome all skill levels and personalities. Everyone has to start somewhere, and you don’t need to be an expert to be welcome on our boat. Be open to coaching and stay positive. Steelhead fishing is often more of an endurance race than a sprint. Keep your chin up, stay confident, and trust the method.
Full Day
- Guide, all gear and instruction
- Lunch included
- Lower Deschutes River
Swing for chrome.
Prime dates in September and October go fast. Reach out early to get the days you want.